Silverstone Fortress FT02 ATX Case

These recordings were made with a high resolution, lab quality, digital recording
system inside SPCR's own 11 dBA ambient anechoic chamber, then converted to
LAME 128kbps encoded MP3s. We've listened long and hard to ensure there is no
audible degradation from the original WAV files to these MP3s. They represent
a quick snapshot of what we heard during the review.

Each recording starts with 7~10 seconds of ambient noise, then 8~10 second
segments of product at various states. For the most
realistic results, set the volume so that the starting ambient level is barely
audible, back the volume control off a touch to make it just inaudible, then
don't change the volume setting again while comparing all the sound files.

The SilverStone Fortress FT02, being so similar to the Raven
RV02, is an excellent base for a premium gaming PC. Though it doesn't
support EATX, the motherboard tray is big enough to accommodate oversized ATX
boards, and there is enough clearance for high-end video cards like the Radeon
HD 5970. The rotated motherboard that allows for low-to-high airflow, the same
direction as natural convection, but this is not really the biggest strength.
The configuration allows for three very large fans to be positioned deep in
the case, as far from the user as possible. No other configuration can produce
as much or thorough airflow while still shielding the fans from a direct path
to the user.

Even if you forgo third party VGA heatsinks and stick with the stock cooling
unit, the rotated layout and high airflow make a difference in internal case
air temperature and therefore the speed and noise of the VGA heatsink fan. With
direct outside air access, any power supply with a single large fan will run
as cool inside the FT02 as on an open test bench. Finally, unlike most cases,
the included fans are quiet and sound very smooth. The included tri-fan molex
adapter makes it easy to hook up all three fans directly to the PSU. If the
low speed position of the fans doesn't give you a sound level that's quiet enough
for you, it's easy to connect the fans to motherboard headers that can give
you greater speed reduction (and low noise).

A fusion of the Raven Two and original Fortress,
the FT02 combines everything we liked about the RV02 with a uni-body aluminum
frame, giving it a classier, less frivolous look, especially compared to the
original Raven. Sometimes
a simple, sturdy appearance creates a stronger statement than purposefully adding
gimmicky elements in an attempt to draw the eye. The hard drive mounting system
was the only true failure of the RV02 and thankfully it was thrown to the wayside
in the FT02, replaced with the far more useful, side-sled backplane scheme from
the first Raven.

The FT02 has a $60 price premium over the RV02. In essence, the only differences
are hard drive mounting and appearance. The overall presenation is more subdued
and classier, in our view, and unibody frame obviously strengthens the entire
structure. (It's not as if Raven RV02 is weak, however.) Unless you're planning
to purposely abuse the case, there is little practical value in the aluminum
unibody. Still, the FT02 is a nicer case overall, quite suitable for the silence-loving
gamer  a user category that would have been considered absurd at SPCR
until the last year or two. It feels like progress.